The Naples football program isn't used to traveling during the playoffs.
The last time - 2019 - the team didn't win the DODEA Division II European title.
The Wildcats are indeed traveling this week, though, for the DODEA-Europe 11-man football semifinals Saturday. Awaiting them after a nearly 900-mile, 15-plus-hour bus ride is a date with Ramstein.
Despite the unfamiliar setting, the Wildcats are rearing to go.
"It's a new experience, something our school's never seen before," Naples running back Terry Herbert said. "I think we're prepared with our discipline and stuff. We've been locked in all week at practice, watching film and holding each other accountable."
This matchup pits two defending champions against each other. Last season, the Royals (6-0) ran the table in Division I, while the Wildcats (4-2) won their fourth Division II crown.
This season, DODEA-Europe had just one 11-man football division, pushing Naples and Vicenza up to square off against Division I opposition.
The Wildcats handled the move well, placing second in the South Conference. The Royals, meanwhile, took care of business in the North.
While Naples has seen a pair of German foes already this season, Saturday marks the first time Ramstein has seen Italian opposition.
"We're excited," Royal offensive lineman Koen Harris said. "Facing the same couple of teams for the past years, we're definitely looking for something new, and I think it'd be really cool to face them."
Strip away the novelty, and both sides recognize the importance of the task at hand - as well as respect for their opponent.
Watching film, Naples players and coach Jim Davis said the key to Ramstein's offense is its rushing attack. The Royals generally try to pound the rock between the tackles with running backs Shaun Young, Drew Varholy and others, but Davis said they are seeking just that one moment to bust one to the outside.
Staying disciplined will be key, the Wildcats said.
"We just got to make sure we're doing the little things right and just making sure we're stopping the run and just playing it our all," Naples receiver and defensive back Jeramiah Robinson said.
The Royals are aware of the visitors' 4-4 base defense that will stack the box. Varholy said that could give sophomore quarterback Xavier Schumacher and the receiving corps led by Brett Monson and Rhett Dalling space to operate.
"I believe that there are situations where we will be able to go through the passing game," Varholy said. "I definitely feel us as a team - running backs and offensive lineman - as long as we work together and we have this clear mind, we absolutely can do very well."
Varholy also praised Naples' offense for having the most varied plays they've seen from an opponent this year.
As well as being the first matchup between the two schools, the timing of the semifinal is new for the Royals. They typically play home games on Friday evenings, but to avoid Halloween night, Saturday's game kicks off at 1 p.m.
The Wildcats aren't complaining about the midday game, though.
"Afternoon's fine because typically it would be warmer than an evening game for us," Davis said. "We're a little cold-blooded living down here."
Panthers seek to avoid reversal against Raiders
One year ago, the Stuttgart Panthers entered the semifinal round as the underdogs at Kaiserslautern and pulled off the upset.
On Saturday, the roles are flipped on Patch Barracks. The Panthers (6-0), winners of the South Conference, enter as the favorites.
The Raiders (4-2), meanwhile, as the North Conference runners-up, would like nothing more than to play spoilers.
"We're looking at a shot at redemption," Kaiserslautern tight end Garrett Vitter said. "All the returners from last year, they want to beat Stuttgart and get into that championship (game)."
For their part, the Panthers understand how things have flipped for this matchup. The reason for their optimism for their dominance so far.
Stuttgart has given up just 14 points all season - all during a 21-14 victory over Naples on Sept. 20.
"I feel like we are amazing," Stuttgart quarterback Kai Lewis said. "I have never been more confident in a group of young men in my high school career."
Both clubs highlighted being physical as the key to instilling their will and winning the ballgame.
"Momentum is a big part of it," Stuttgart receiver Luke Heumphreus said. "If we keep the energy high and hit them in their mouths, that will be really important."
It also helps that Stuttgart is a little more rested. Since the one-week hiatus due to the government shutdown, the Panthers have played just once - a 32-0 victory Oct. 17 over the Wildcats that clinched the South Conference.
Kaiserslautern is coming off a 17-0 loss to crosstown rival Ramstein on Oct. 24.
They avoided any major travelling with a two-hour bus ride to Stuttgart, but what awaits them is a grass field instead of turf. The field at Stuttgart High School is being renovated.
"It's nice that it's more local, we don't have to take that long bus trip and just be tired," Kaiserslautern running back Braden Carson said. "So, we're happy it's at Stuttgart, but it's on a base field, so it's not as nice."
The Panthers have spent all season adjusting to that field, but they said it shouldn't play a role in the outcome.
"It's about doing the small things right, staying mentally sharp and playing together as a unit," Stuttgart coach Suzanne Reyes said of the keys to the game.